Myeisha Hutchinson began volunteering as a child.
“I do believe it is life’s highest calling to do the work required to make the community around you a better place,” said Hutchinson, a patient navigator in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Hutchison is one of five UAB employees we’re spotlighting during National Volunteer Week to inspire, recognize and encourage people to seek out imaginative ways to contribute in their communities. It’s needed now more than ever. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals barely one in four people did volunteer work in 2013, and rates were less than one in five among those ages 20-24.
“I was looking for ways to give back to my community through organizations that have a direct impact through actual civic engagement and improving educational outcomes in my community,” Hutchinson said.
She is active in the Woodlawn and eastern Birmingham communities, volunteering with several organizations including giving her time as a reader with the Better Basics Ready 2 Read program. The program, a collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Birmingham, helps inspire second-grade students to read for pleasure by providing books for classroom use. Students are awarded prizes for reaching reading milestones. Volunteers visit classrooms twice per month to read to students and distribute prizes.
“Volunteering has changed the way I view the world and people,” Hutchinson said. “The potential of a community and people is endless when they are inspired and empowered to make their community better.”
Find volunteer opportunities through Hands On Birmingham, which connects people with organized and meaningful opportunities to improve their community.
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We want to inspire and encourage people to seek out imaginative ways to use their time and talents to serve others and celebrate the service of those who do. Tell us your story.